Since launching in 2007, Apple’s iPhone has not only proved itself to be a communications phenomenon, it’s emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the world of portable gaming. With an install base of 37 million worldwide (including the iPod Touch), the iPhone could well threaten the dominance of Nintendo’s DS and PlayStation’s PSP.

Selling 4.4 million units in the first quarter of 2009 alone, the iPhone has already outperformed the PSP’s entire sales for 2008. Not only has Apple’s iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) opened the floodgates for amateur and up-and-coming developers to distribute their work on Apple’s App Store; traditional game developers like Ubisoft, Konami and Bioware are also showing strong interest in iPhone gaming. Many popular and proven franchises are now available on the iPhone (including Assassin’s Creed and Metal Gear Solid), with plans for many more in the works.

And while most iPhone games cost between $NZ1.30 and $NZ13.99, a great number of games are available to download free of charge.